Dili (East Timor). From 19 to 21 September 2025, at Don Bosco Center in Dili-Comoro of the Salesians of the Saint Callisto Caravario Vice Province (TLS), the Forum of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) was held on the theme, “Young people of hope”, with the participation of 890 young people from the SDB and FMA realities of East Timor: Zone I (Lospalos, Fuiluro), Zone II (Laga, Quelicai), Zone III (Baucau, Fatumaca, Venilale) Zone IV (Dili Centek, FMA Comoro, Balide, Cailako, Metinaru and Cassa).
The event opened with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Archbishop of Dili, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, with the presence of the Provincial of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello (TIN) Province, Sister Evangelina da Costa Xavier; and the Provincial Fr. Anacleto Pires, SDB. After the Mass, the Cardinal left a message to the young people recalling the Word of God of the day, urging them to avoid evil, to try to be good young people who speak truthfully, and to imitate the model of holiness of the two recently canonized young people, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. “Don’t just look for beautiful things externally, but look for the highest things, like the testimony of the saints, to meet God face to face.”
In the evening, the Provincial gave Goodnight to the young people, telling them that, “Hope is the anchor of the soul. Let us go to rest in the silent presence of God and reflect on the wonderful gift we have heard and shared today. By meeting Jesus, by meeting your friends, you rediscover your friendship with Jesus. Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello have always taught that holiness is possible in everyday life: in study, in friendship, in service, in prayer. Don’t be afraid to dream big with God. He never disappoints. Let hope be your anchor. Good night. Let’s walk together with courage and faith in Mary Help of Christians.”
On the second day, the participants went on a pilgrimage from Don Bosco Center in Comoro to the cathedral of Dili, which the Archbishop designated as the holy door to obtain indulgences. Before leaving, they had the opportunity to approach the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, while in the afternoon they received formation on Salesian holiness focused on the virtue of hope. The sharing method was very enriching, because in the groups the young people, together with SDB and FMA, were able to bring their own testimonies and experiences, increasing mutual knowledge of models of holiness.
The day ended with the cultural evening, in which each Youth Center presented what it had prepared on the theme of “young people of hope”. Next, some participants wanted to express their impressions of the SYM experience:
“My name is Delfia. I study at the National University of East Timor (UNTL). I live in the FMA ‘Divine Providence’ community of Dili-Comoro, and I am part of the Laudato Si’ Don Bosco group. What inspired me to participate in the SYM Forum was meeting young people from different places. Making friends with people from other places can help us enrich each other with different experiences and also learn about their realities. This event is also an opportunity to promote the talents of young people and to share faith and fraternity.”
“As an FMA postulant, I am very happy to have experienced the SYM event, especially the pilgrimage with young people that was a time of grace and I admired their great devotion and faith. At the moment of confession, almost everyone approached the priests to confess and participated in the Eucharist with fervor” (Joana).
“I’m Armandino, animator of Don Bosco oratory in Balide-Dili. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate. For me it is the first time and I would like to underline in particular the moment of the pilgrimage. I can say that it has changed my life. I have learned to love prayer and confession more, because it is not only a celebration, but also a moment to dialogue with God, to communicate my past life and return to being a new person, after a spiritual renewal. I want to continue living as a good Christian and a good young man, doing good to others and becoming a new person before God.”
“My name is Mariano Rendy. I am a student at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at UNTL. I am president of the Salesian Youth Movement of East Timor. At first, I was afraid to organize such a big event and I was not ready to take on this task, but I was supported by the Sisters and priests, so I found the courage to carry out this commitment in collaboration with SDB, FMA, and with all the young people of the team. I admired the enthusiasm of the young people during the pilgrimage. They prayed without feeling tired, despite the long walk and the somewhat hot day; without losing the desire to reach the Cathedral to receive the indulgence. Through this experience I have learned that being a leader requires patience, sacrifice, learning to serve and carry out this task with love and generosity.”
On 21 September, the Forum concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, the evaluation of each Youth Center, the assumption of a commitment, and thanks to all those who contributed to its success. The SYM Forum becomes an educational place to help young people give thanks for all the good they receive. The Provincial, Fr. Anacleto Pires, invited them to be apostles among young people, as in a single family, and to bring joy and hope to their reality, in the spirit of Don Bosco.
